FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, July 14, 2016 - SAN DIEGO – Amigos del REP and San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) have announced the schedule of their free reading series by Latino/a artists for the remainder of 2016. The six performances in San Diego REP’s Lyceum Stage and Lyceum Space theatres include the variety show “Club Café” produced by John Padilla and Dave Rivas; “King Liz” written by Fernanda Coppel (ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder”) and directed by Elsa Martinez; the politically driven “The Sweetheart Deal” written and directed by Center Theatre Group’s Associate Artistic Director Diane Rodriguez; “El Cipitío,” a collaboration from original Culture Clash members Herbert Siguenza and Ric Salinas with Randy Ertll, directed by Siguenza and based on Ertll’s novel “The Lives and Times of El Cipitío;” the annual Dia de los Muertos celebration “Historias Tenebrosas” produced by Dave Rivas; and a yet to be announced family-friendly holiday show presented in December at the Downtown Central Library, directed by Bryant Hernandez.

“Amigos is an integral part of the San Diego REP’s longstanding commitment to the Latino community in San Diego. We provide a chance for Latino and Latina artists to showcase their artistic talent – including writing, acting and directing – as well as serve young Latinos of our community with educational outreach programs,” says John Padilla, one of the Amigos del REP Producers. “In addition, we are thrilled to have assisted the REP’s development process of two plays in their coming season: Herbert Siguenza’s Manifest Destinitis (September 15-October 9) and Karen Zacarias’ Into The Beautiful North ( March 30-April 23.)”

"Amigos del Rep is a dream come true. I wanted Latino cultural events and plays to be curated, read and performed by local Latino actors that will be seen and enjoyed by all,” says Herbert Siguenza, REP Playwright in Residence and Amigos del REP Founder.

Every presentation in the Amigos del REP reading series is free and open to the public, with no tickets necessary. For more information, visit sdrep.org/amigos.

Amigos del REP’s first presentation in the series will be “Club Café” (Aug. 1, 2016), the annual variety show presenting the diverse talents of San Diego’s Latino/a community, including musicians, dancers, and other various acts. This year, we will spotlight local stand-up-comedians such as Peter Loaiza. Candy Silva and The Latin Stars will return again this year, along with the popular salsa band Rumba y Sol. This variety show plays in the Lyceum Space on August 1 at 7PM, presented by John Padilla and Dave Rivas.

“King Liz” (Aug. 15, 2016), Fernanda Coppel’s Off-Broadway hit at New York’s Second Stage Uptown, follows next and is directed by Elsa Martinez. Sports agent Liz Rico has money and an elite client roster but a woman in a man's industry has to fight to stay on top. She's worked twice as hard to get where she is and wants to take over the agency that she's helped build. Enter Freddie Luna, a high school basketball superstar with a troubled past. If Liz can keep this talented, yet volatile young star in line, she just might end up making not only his career, but her own as well. “King Liz” plays on the Lyceum Stage on August 15 at 7PM.

Up next, the politically driven drama, “The Sweetheart Deal,” (Sept. 27, 2016), from writer Diane Rodriguez will be presented in September. In 1970, Mari and Will decide to leave their comfortable middle class life in San Jose, California and volunteer for El Malcriado, the underground newspaper for the United Farmworkers Union. It's a tumultuous time for Cesar Chavez' union and the couple find themselves in the middle of a violent struggle that forces Mari to take the lead to protect herself and her husband. Rodriguez, an Obie award winner, will also direct this reading in the Lyceum Space Theatre on September 27 at 7PM.

“El Cipitío” (Oct. 17, 2016), brings together original Culture Clash founding members Herbert Siguenza and Ric Salinas, along with Randy Jurado Ertll, for an adaptation of Ertll’s novel “The Lives and Times of El Cipitío.” This darkly comic work follows the life of a three foot mythical character that becomes a soldier for the Salvadoran Army trained by the U.S. Military. He leaves the violence of El Salvador and crosses several borders to reach the gang ridden barrios of Los Angeles, where he becomes a violent leader, then the mayor of Los Angeles and eventually the President of the United States with a plan for World Peace. Siguenza, now San Diego REP’s resident playwright, directs this reading in the Lyceum Space Theatre on October 17 at 7PM.

Later in October, Amigos del REP will present “Historias Tenebrosas” (Oct. 31 – Nov. 1, 2016). “Historias Tenebrosas” (Spooky Stories) is a cultural event that will entertain, educate and enlighten families of all ages about the similarities and differences between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos. Step into a carnival funhouse hosted by Señor y Señora Muertos for a costume contest, face painting, fortune telling, music, children’s corner, hot chocolate, pan dulce and lots and lots of candy. Plus, enjoy an old-fashioned evening of story-telling with thrilling performances featuring traditional characters like El Cucuy (the boogeyman) or La Llorona (the crier) and chilling local folklore by regional playwrights, as well as puppetry and bedtime stories for the kids. This year Historias Tenebrosas has expanded into TWO nights and will take place in multiple locations throughout San Diego REP’s Lyceum theatre. Historias Tenebrosas is FREE and open to the public and starts at 7PM. Please feel free to bring something to add to our Altars de Muerto.

Closing out 2016 for Amigos del REP in December will be a very special, family-friendly holiday presentation in conjunction with the San Diego Central Library in Downtown. This will be the first time Amigos has partnered with the library. The play, which has already tapped Bryant Hernandez to direct, has yet to be announced.

San Diego Repertory Theatre is pleased to announce that work is in progress on a $3 million renovation of The Lyceum Theatre, including the lobby, concession, restrooms and Lyceum Stage Theatre. The remodel work is occurring in phases. Estimated completion is January 2017.

During construction, San Diego REP patrons will be able to access all normal amenities of The Lyceum Theatre complex. Ample parking will still be available in the Horton Plaza parking garage and the Box Office, elevators, restrooms and concession areas will be easily accessible unless otherwise noted. San Diego REP’s House Management staff will keep patrons updated on renovation activities with signage posted in and around the facility as well as send e-mail communications to maintain the venue experience. For additional information, please contact the Box Office at 619-544-1000 or visit sdrep.org.

About San Diego Repertory Theatre

San Diego Repertory Theatre (San Diego REP) produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. Founded in 1976, San Diego Repertory Theatre is downtown San Diego’s resident theatre, promoting a more inclusive community through work that nourishes progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. The company produces and hosts over 550 events and performances year-round on its three stages at the Lyceum Theatre. Since moving to the Lyceum, The REP has produced 45 main stage productions by Latino playwrights, and more than 40 world premieres. The company has received more than 200 awards for artistic excellence from the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle, Patté Theatre Awards, NAACP, Backstage West, Dramalogue and StageSceneLA. In 2005, the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle presented The REP with the Craig Noel Award “For 30 Years of Artistic Dedication to Downtown and Diversity.” San Diego Repertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about San Diego Repertory Theatre, to purchase tickets, or make a donation, visit www.sdrep.org. Join us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/sandiegoREP) and follow us on Twitter (@SanDiegoREP).